Peer reviewer-expert-level peer review tool

Example

A manuscript investigating a new cancer treatment would be scrutinized for the studyPeer Reviewer Overview design's robustness, including control groups, randomization, sample size, and the appropriateness of methods for the research question.

Scenario

The manuscript proposes a clinical trial with a sample size of 50 participants. Peer Reviewer would assess if the sample size is statistically powered enough to detect significant effects and if proper randomization was conducted.

Example

When a study reports statistical results, Peer Reviewer ensures the analyses are sound, that appropriate statistical tests were used, and that the results are interpreted correctly.

Scenario

A manuscript reports a p-value of 0.04 for a comparison between two treatments. Peer Reviewer would check if the correct statistical test was applied, whether the p-value threshold was justified, and if there’s a risk of selective reporting of significant results.

Example

Peer Reviewer evaluates the clarity, conciseness, and logical flow of the manuscript. It checks whether sections like the abstract, introduction, and discussion are well-written and align with journal guidelines.

Scenario

A manuscript discusses a new technique but fails to provide a clear background on existing methods in the introduction. Peer Reviewer would recommend revising the introduction to clearly establish the research gap, ensuring it is framed in a coherent and concise manner.

Example

Peer Reviewer assesses the manuscript’s references to ensure the literature review is comprehensive and up to date. It checks if the authors have included key papers and if citations are accurately represented.

Scenario

A manuscript on renewable energy might cite older studies but overlook recent research on solar panel innovations. Peer Reviewer would suggest adding references to the latest developments to keep the review current.

Example

Figures and tables are critically assessed for clarity, relevance, and accuracy in relation to the text. Peer Reviewer ensures that all visuals support the narrative and are well-described in their captions.

Scenario

A study uses multiple graphs to represent data, but the captions are vague and don't explain what the graphs represent. Peer Reviewer would suggest adding more detailed captions and ensuring that the figures are referenced correctly in the text.

Example

Peer Reviewer checks that the manuscript reports ethical approval for experiments, informed consent from participants, and discloses any potential conflicts of interest.

Scenario

A manuscript on animal testing lacks a statement regarding ethical approval from an institutional review board. Peer Reviewer would flag this omission and require clarification on ethical adherence.

Example

Peer Reviewer evaluates whether the research presents original findings that contribute to the field’s advancement and whether it has the potential to make a significant impact.

Scenario

A paper on machine learning in healthcare may propose a minor tweak to an existing algorithm. Peer Reviewer would assess whether this improvement is truly novel or simply an incremental change.

Example

Peer Reviewer assesses whether the manuscript provides enough detail for the study to be replicated by other researchers. This includes reviewing methods, materials, and data availability.

Scenario

The manuscript includes an analysis of data from a clinical trial but does not provide the raw data or detailed protocol for replicating the study. Peer Reviewer would request that the authors share the data and clarify the methodology.